Thiruvananthapuram, July 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) With Onam, Kerala's biggest and most cherished harvest festival, less than a month away, the Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan-led government has unveiled an extensive market intervention plan aimed at ensuring affordable prices and uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities during the week-long celebrations that culminate in the last week of August.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob on Monday announced that the government's annual Onam market intervention would begin with the launch of Supplyco's Onam Trade Fairs on August 8, with Chief Minister Satheesan inaugurating the State-level fair in Ernakulam.

Three Mega Trade Fairs will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode, while district-level fairs will be organised in the remaining 11 districts between August 16 and 25.

In addition, Onam Markets will be opened in all 126 Assembly constituencies, with special fairs planned during the final six days before Thiruvonam.

Horticorp outlets will also operate alongside the fairs, offering vegetables at subsidised rates to help contain festive price spikes.

To meet the seasonal surge in demand, the government plans to release more than 1.29 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 24,500 metric tonnes of wheat through various distribution channels.

Blue ration card holders will receive an additional three kg of rice and two kg of wheat, while all other ration card categories, including NPS and NPNS beneficiaries, will also be supplied wheat.

Beneficiaries will also be allowed to purchase their September quota of subsidised commodities in advance during August.

The government will begin distributing its popular free Onam kits, containing 16 essential food items, to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families in the first week of August.

Around Rs 53 crore has been earmarked for the scheme, which also covers inmates of welfare institutions.

To prevent hoarding and black marketing during the festive season, special squads under District Collectors will conduct intensified inspections across the State, while the Price Monitoring Cell will closely track retail prices.

The government has already sanctioned Rs 448.05 crore over the past two months for Onam kit distribution, market intervention and paddy procurement, underscoring its effort to ensure that Kerala's biggest festival remains affordable for households amid rising prices.

Source: IANS

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Muzaffarnagar, July 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) As the annual Kanwar Yatra gathers momentum, devotees of Lord Shiva have begun arriving in Muzaffarnagar carrying holy Ganga water collected from Haridwar. The pilgrimage, one of North India's largest religious events, has witnessed an increasing influx of Kanwariyas passing through the district on their way to various Shiva temples.

The district administration and police have made elaborate security and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra.

Beautifully decorated and artistically designed Kanwars have started reaching Muzaffarnagar's Shiv Chowk, attracting large crowds of devotees eager to witness them.

One such Kanwariya, Bhole, a resident of Meerut district, arrived at Shiv Chowk carrying his Kanwar and the sacred Ganga water. He was welcomed by young women from Muzaffarnagar, who honoured him and appreciated the unique decoration of his Kanwar.

Speaking to IANS, Shiv devotee Adesh said, "We collected the holy water on July 23. We will reach our area by August 10 and offer the Ganga water at our temple on August 13. The arrangements made for the Kanwar Yatra are excellent, and we have not faced any problems."

Another devotee, Deepak, a resident of Rajasthan, said, "I collected the holy water from Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, and I am taking it to the Aghornath Temple at Kali Paltan in Meerut. Everything here is very well organised, and the arrangements are excellent."

The Kanwar Yatra will officially begin on July 30, 2026, marking the first day of the holy month of Sawan, and will conclude on August 11, 2026, on the occasion of Sawan Shivratri.

This year's pilgrimage will span 13 days, during which lakhs of devotees are expected to collect holy Ganga water from Haridwar, Rishikesh and other sacred pilgrimage sites before carrying it to Shiva temples across northern India.

Sawan Shivratri is considered the most significant day of the Kanwar Yatra. On this auspicious occasion, Kanwariyas perform Jalabhishek by offering the Ganga water to the Shivling. This year, the ritual will be performed on August 11, marking the culmination of the yatra and the completion of the devotees' religious observances.

Source: IANS

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Haridwar, July 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kali Sena's National President Swami Anand Swaroop Maharaj on Monday said that shops operated by non-Hindus will be "forcibly removed" from Haridwar's Kanwar Mela and strict action will be taken against them.

He further claimed that non-Hindus aim to "pollute" the Hindu pilgrimage and urged local authorities to stop them from selling holy items.

The Kanwar Yatra 2026 starts July 30, coinciding with the first day of the holy Sawan month, and culminates with the Sawan Shivratri Jal Abhishek on August 11. It draws Shiva devotees from across the nation who carry holy water of the River Ganga from Haridwar.

Kali Sena positions itself as a Hindu organisation. Swaroop has repeatedly made similar calls to restrict non-Hindu involvement in Yatra-related commerce.

Speaking to IANS, Swami Anand Swaroop said, "Kali Sena had previously announced that if any non-Hindu shop is found in the Kanwar Mela, we will forcibly remove it. If they agree to our demands, fine; otherwise, there will be checking until the Kanwar Yatra begins. If any non-Hindu is found in that checking, his fitness will be checked, and along with fitness, action will be taken against him, because this is a pilgrimage site and this is a fair for Hindus."

"Anyone who is a non-Hindu is coming here to pollute our Yatra and desecrate it," he said.

"Hindus should not buy Kanwar from non-Hindus. Also, if we see any shop without nameplates, then action will also be taken against them," Swami Anand Swaroop added.

Uttarakhand Police have deployed about 6,000 personnel for crowd management and security. Administration has deployed enhanced surveillance, including CCTV networks and watch towers across major transit paths.

Meat and liquor shops along designated Kanwar routes remain strictly prohibited.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, July 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) The number of pilgrims performing the ongoing Amarnath Ji Yatra so far crossed the four lakh milestone on Sunday since it started on July 3.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the Himalayan pilgrimage, on social media platform X said, "By Lord Shiva's divine grace, the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed a remarkable milestone and more than 4 Lakh pilgrims have already completed the sacred journey."

"Till now, 4.14 Lakh devotees have received darshan. I bow with reverence to Baba Amarnath for this blessing and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this journey a truly divine experience for all."

On Sunday, a fresh batch of 4,474 Yatris left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the north Kashmir Baltal base camp.

Yatra through the south Kashmir's Pahalgam route has been suspended for track maintenance at the moment.

The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

As of now, nearly four lakh pilgrims have visited the cave shrine, of which around 1.20 lakh pilgrims commenced their pilgrimage from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.

Pilgrims opting for the Jammu base camp are transported to Kashmir in escorted convoys under elaborate security arrangements.

The cave shrine situated 3,880 metres above the sea level in Kashmir Himalayas houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Yatris use either the longer, traditional Nunwan (Pahalgam) route which is 47 km long or the shorter Baltal base camp route which is 14 km long.

Those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after having Darshan inside the holy cave.

Those using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the holy cave.

As area beyond the two base camps have been declared as 'No fly zone' due to security reasons, no helicopter services are available to the Yatris this year.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged financial irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

As per the causelist uploaded on the apex court's official website, the batch of matters is listed before a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.

The petitions include a writ petition filed by advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami, a criminal writ petition filed by petitioner-in-person Ajay Kumar Rai, a separate plea moved by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh, and another petition filed by Hindu Dharma Parishad.

All four matters are scheduled to be taken up together.

At the previous hearing on July 20, the CJI Surya Kant-led bench had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider reconstituting the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged irregularities, saying that the investigation should be led by a senior IPS officer and taken to its "logical conclusion".

"The investigation must be fair and taken to its logical conclusion," the apex court had said while cautioning against politicising the issue and adding that "courts are not a place for politics".

During the hearing, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, had told the apex court that a status report had been filed in a sealed cover in compliance with its earlier directions.

"The investigation is going on. Eight persons have been arrested. I cannot divulge much at this stage," SG Mehta had said.

Clarifying the role of the earlier SIT, the Solicitor General had told the CJI Kant-led bench that it was constituted only to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and was not itself carrying out the criminal investigation.

He had said the police were currently conducting the investigation under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police.

However, the apex court said that the earlier SIT comprised senior officers, including two IAS officers and a senior IPS officer, and suggested that the ongoing investigation be entrusted to a reconstituted SIT led by the senior IPS officer already familiar with the matter.

"Let there be an SIT for the ongoing investigation. It can be led by this officer because he has knowledge of the matter. Speak to the government and let the SIT be reconstituted. Whatever additional directions are required, we will do that," the CJI Kant-led bench had said.

During the hearing, senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for one of the petitioners, had urged the apex court to direct preservation of all records relating to donations collected during the construction of the Ram temple and suggested that such records be uploaded on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's website so that donors could verify whether their contributions had reached the temple.

The apex court had said that while uploading everything online might not be practical, there should be properly maintained records wherever receipts had been issued.

SG Mehta had assured the court that all relevant records, including CCTV footage and digital evidence, were being preserved.

Earlier, on July 13, the Supreme Court had issued notice in the batch of petitions and directed the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a detailed status report, including particulars of its composition.

The status report was subsequently filed before the apex court in a sealed cover.

The petitions seek a court-monitored investigation into the alleged financial irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami's plea seeks preservation of records and evidence relating to donations made at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and greater transparency in the administration of temple offerings.

In a separate petition, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh has sought transfer of the ongoing investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court.

His plea also seeks a temporary court-monitored oversight committee, preservation of financial records, a comprehensive forensic audit, and publication of audited financial statements and donation logs on the Trust's official website.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the revival of Kashmir's traditional 'Vaghu' mat, describing the centuries-old, eco-friendly craft as a unique cultural symbol of the Valley and hailing the efforts taken to revive it.

Addressing the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister said, "When one possesses both talent and the passion to achieve something, every path becomes easy. A glimpse of that is evident in the efforts currently being made regarding Kashmir's traditional 'Vaghu' mat."

He noted that the tradition of making this mat dates back many years and is crafted out of reeds and paddy straw. He explained that the process starts with harvesting grass and reeds from the marshy regions of Kashmir. After drying the materials in the sun and sorting them, the hand-weaving process begins.

PM Modi said that it takes approximately four days for two artisans to complete a single mat.

"This mat is both unique and eco-friendly. A major feature is that it provides coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. While it used to be found in every Kashmiri household, its usage had declined over the last few years," he said.

The Prime Minister commended a father-daughter team from Srinagar for their commitment to reviving this traditional craft.

"Amidst that, Ghulam Hussain ji from Srinagar and his daughter, Tanzila ji, took a pledge. Both dedicated themselves to reviving the tradition of the 'Vaghu' craft. Ghulam Hussain ji comes from a very humble background. He faced numerous challenges in this endeavour. However, his resolve to preserve 'Vaghu' remained unflinched. And within no time, many people began joining this initiative," he said.

He added that Ghulam Hussain "significantly advanced this craft" and also received local government support for his mission.

"Today, 'Vaghu' is rapidly gaining popularity and reaching other parts of the country. I am immensely proud of everyone associated with this effort. Today, we are all emphasising local products; we are moving forward with the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'. In this context, do consider making Kashmir's 'Vaghu' a part of your home as well," PM Modi added.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, July 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Security has been enhanced at the Jasidih railway station in Jharkhand with the month-long Sravani Mela 2026 set to commence, officials said on Saturday.

With nearly one lakh pilgrims expected to pass through the station every day over the next month, Eastern Railway (ER) has significantly strengthened security and crowd management arrangements there to ensure a safe, secure and seamless journey for devotees visiting Baba Baidyanath Dham.

A.N. Sinha, Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector General (IG) of ER, accompanied by the Asansol Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Pawan Kumar conducted an extensive inspection of the security arrangements at the station as part of the preparations.

The IG reviewed the overall security preparedness by inspecting the passenger holding area, station premises, Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) and the Jasidih RPF Post.

Special attention was given to the newly developed passenger holding area, designed to regulate and streamline the movement of pilgrims before they enter the station premises, thereby preventing overcrowding and ensuring smooth passenger flow.

Sinha also reviewed the deployment of AI-enabled Face Recognition System (FRS) cameras installed at strategic locations.

Integrated with a database of known offenders, the system generates real-time alerts upon detecting listed individuals, enabling RPF personnel to swiftly identify and intercept suspicious or wanted persons.

He also assessed the surveillance network, deployment of security personnel, crowd management strategies and emergency response mechanisms to effectively handle the anticipated surge in pilgrim traffic.

A high-level coordination meeting was also convened with senior officials from various railway departments, the Government Railway Police (GRP), local police and the civil administration.

The focus of this meeting was on strengthening inter-agency coordination, ensuring effective communication and synchronised action for smooth passenger movement, enhanced security and efficient management throughout the Mela period.

The IG, while addressing the RPF personnel during a Suraksha Sammelan, highlighted the importance of constant vigilance, professionalism and passenger-centric service.

He directed round-the-clock crowd management, deployment of security escorts on Mela Special trains, operation of 24×7 passenger assistance and help desks, enhanced surveillance at vulnerable locations and strict action against anti-social elements to ensure a safe environment for pilgrims.

The ER has taken measures to prevent any untoward incident and ensure smooth travel for both pilgrims and regular passengers during this period, an official said.

Security personnel have been sensitised towards the need to behave in a cordial manner and keep things under control under all circumstances.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the inscription of Sarnath on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a celebration of India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage.

"A proud moment for every Indian! Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world," PM Modi wrote on X.

"This recognition celebrates India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to come to Sarnath and connect with the ideals of Lord Buddha," he added.

UNESCO had announced the new inscription of the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath on the World Heritage List earlier in the day.

"Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Closely associated with Lord Buddha, the inscription celebrates India's rich heritage and will inspire people across the world to connect with his timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on X.

According to the permanent delegation of India to UNESCO, the ancient site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the ongoing 48th session of the World Heritage Committee being held in South Korea's Busan from July 19-29.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma thanked PM Modi, Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekawat and the ASI while thanking the World Heritage Centre.

"Sarnath remains a site of reflection for over 500 million Buddhists worldwide and inspires the youth to seek truth, embrace non-violence, pursue mindful living, and become responsible global citizens committed to inclusive social transformation that resonates deeply with India and UNESCO's own mission of building peace," said Ambassador Sharma.

Sarnath, highlighted the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, occupies a unique place in world history as the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma and establishing the Buddhist Sangha.

“The Lion Capital of Ashoka, discovered at Sarnath and adopted as the National Emblem of India, further enhances the site's historic significance. This inscription is a recognition of India's enduring civilizational heritage and of the timeless message of peace, compassion and harmony embodied in the teachings of the Buddha, which continue to inspire humanity across the world,” the statement read.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, July 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) is preparing an ambitious plan to restore, preserve and commercially utilise hundreds of heritage buildings across the State in an effort to safeguard their architectural legacy while ensuring their long-term maintenance through sustainable revenue generation.

According to officials, Tamil Nadu has 264 heritage structures under the control of the Public Works Department. These buildings date back to the reigns of various dynasties, including the Cholas, Nayaks and other South Indian kingdoms, as well as the Mughal and British Colonial periods.

Many of them remain architecturally significant and represent important chapters in the State’s cultural and administrative history.

Chennai accounts for the highest number of heritage buildings with 58, followed by Coimbatore with 20, Thanjavur with 17, and Kanyakumari, Madurai and Salem with 12 each.

Pudukkottai has 10 such structures, while Tiruppur and Tiruvannamalai have nine each.

The remaining districts have one or two heritage buildings under the department’s care.

A majority of these buildings are currently occupied by government departments such as Health and Family Welfare, the Judiciary, Higher Education and the Revenue Department.

However, several others have fallen into disrepair because of inadequate maintenance and the absence of conservation-focussed management.

A senior Public Works Department official said many government departments using these historic buildings are unaware of their heritage value.

As a result, structural alterations, modern additions and poor upkeep have compromised their original architectural character over the years.

The department has begun identifying the most deteriorated structures for restoration, with substantial funds already earmarked for conservation works.

Officials believe that merely renovating the buildings and handing them back to government offices could expose them to further deterioration.

Instead, the State is exploring options to convert restored heritage properties into tourism assets capable of generating revenue while preserving their historical significance.

Discussions are underway with the Tourism Department to identify suitable projects that can attract visitors and ensure regular maintenance through commercial activity.

If the Tourism Department does not take over the properties, the Public Works Department is considering alternative models such as establishing light-and-sound shows, heritage interpretation centres, cafés and other visitor-friendly facilities within the restored premises.

Officials said the initiative aims to strike a balance between heritage conservation and economic sustainability, ensuring that Tamil Nadu’s historic buildings are preserved for future generations while remaining vibrant public spaces rather than neglected monuments.

—IANS

aal/rad

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) The annual pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for seven consecutive days, bringing relief and joy to thousands of devotees who had been waiting in Katra for the yatra to reopen.

The resumption of the pilgrimage witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims, with more than 10,000 devotees gathering at Counter No. 2 to obtain their mandatory RFID cards before beginning the trek to the revered shrine. Long queues were seen from the early hours of the morning as devotees patiently waited for their turn.

Despite the heavy rush, personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) managed the crowds and ensured that the registration process and movement of pilgrims remained smooth and orderly.

Light rain continued to fall across Katra throughout the day, creating pleasant weather conditions. Security personnel remained deployed despite the rain, assisting devotees and maintaining law and order as chants of “Jai Mata Di” echoed through the town.

Many pilgrims expressed happiness after finally receiving an opportunity to undertake the sacred journey following days of uncertainty.

One devotee from Haryana said, “We have come from Rohtak, Haryana. We waited here for 15 days, and today we finally had the opportunity to have Mata Rani’s darshan. We are extremely happy…”

Another pilgrim described the experience as unforgettable, saying, “This will be the most memorable trip of my life. I have visited Mata Rani’s shrine 15 times before, but this visit will remain the most unforgettable. There are no words to describe my happiness…”

A third devotee, who had been waiting in Katra for several days, said, “There is a huge rush here. I arrived here on the 21st, and my return journey is scheduled for the 26th. By Mata Rani’s blessings, I am now finally able to have her darshan. I never thought the pilgrimage would actually resume…”

The reopening of the pilgrimage has brought renewed enthusiasm among devotees who had remained stranded in Katra during the suspension. With thousands now proceeding towards the shrine, authorities have maintained heightened security and crowd management measures to facilitate a safe and orderly pilgrimage.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, attracting millions of devotees every year. The resumption of the yatra after a week-long suspension has restored normal movement of pilgrims, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage in the coming days.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, describing the festival as a symbol of devotion, compassion and selfless service. He prayed for the blessings of Lord Vitthal to bring peace, prosperity and harmony to people's lives while inspiring everyone to work for the welfare of society.

PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Greetings on the sacred occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. This auspicious day is about the eternal message of devotion and compassion. May Bhagwan Vitthal’s blessings bring joy, harmony and prosperity and guide us towards a better society. May He strengthen our resolve to serve and work tirelessly for the welfare and dignity of every person."

Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi, is being observed on Saturday. According to the Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi tithi began at 2:44 a.m. on July 25 and will conclude at 12:14 a.m. on July 26.

The festival marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period regarded as highly sacred in Hindu tradition. According to ancient scriptures, including the Bhavishya Purana and Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra, or divine sleep, on this day and is believed to awaken on Prabodhini Ekadashi, observed later in the year.

The Sanskrit word Devshayani means "when the deity goes to sleep." Devotees believe this marks the symbolic period of Lord Vishnu's divine rest, signalling the start of a spiritually significant season dedicated to prayer, self-discipline and introspection.

As part of the observance, devotees begin the day with a holy bath before offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits and sweets are offered during worship, while many devotees recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or chant sacred Vishnu mantras seeking divine blessings.

Observing the Ekadashi fast is another important aspect of the festival. Fasting practices differ across regions and families, with some abstaining from grains and cereals while others observe a stricter fast before breaking it the following day during the prescribed Parana period.

Acts of charity also hold special significance on Ashadhi Ekadashi. Donating food, clothes and other essential items to those in need is considered highly meritorious. Many spiritual scholars also view the beginning of Chaturmas as an ideal period for meditation, self-improvement, disciplined living and deeper spiritual reflection, encouraging devotees to focus on inner growth over external celebrations.

Source: IANS

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Jammu, July 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) As the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra resumed on Saturday after being suspended for six days due to continuous heavy rainfall, devotees expressed joy at the resumption of the pilgrimage and appreciated the efforts of the administration and security agencies in ensuring their safety and comfort.

The 18th batch of pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra via the Baltal route departed from the Adhar Shivir Ram Mandir in Jammu for the darshan of Baba Barfani.

The pilgrimage had been temporarily suspended by the administration owing to adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of devotees and prevent any untoward incidents.

Despite the prolonged suspension of the yatra, the enthusiasm and devotion of the pilgrims remained unaffected. Many, speaking to IANS, said that they were determined to continue their journey as soon as the routes reopened.

Expressing happiness over the resumption of the pilgrimage, one devotee said, "I am very happy after the resumption. I have never felt this happy in my life. People were stranded here for the past 6–7 days."

Another pilgrim, who was visiting the shrine for the first time, said the difficult weather had not weakened his resolve to seek blessings.

"I have come here for the first time actually. I just wanted to see Baba and have a darshan and then be back. No matter how much it rains, I am determined to have a darshan," the devotee said.

A pilgrim undertaking the yatra for the third time also praised the arrangements made for the annual pilgrimage and lauded the role of the security forces.

"I have been here twice; this is my third time. I am very happy. All the arrangements are nice, and our security forces are always there to protect us," the devotee said.

Another first-time pilgrim said he had reached Jammu on July 19 and had decided to wait until the pilgrimage resumed instead of returning without offering prayers.

"The administration has made very good arrangements here, because of which we have stayed back. We will leave only after having the darshan of Baba Bhole; we have made this resolve in our hearts," the pilgrim said.

Several devotees also praised the arrangements made by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, saying they had been provided with all essential facilities during their stay despite the temporary suspension of the pilgrimage.

"The more we praise the administration, the less it seems. We never felt that we had left our hometown and come to another region. The administration has provided all kinds of facilities and amenities to the pilgrims," they said.

The pilgrims further said that although they could not proceed towards the Valley because of the inclement weather, the administration ensured that their stay in Jammu remained comfortable by guiding them to various tourist and religious destinations in the region.

"The administration also arranged buses at several locations, enabling them to visit major religious and tourist destinations across Jammu," a pilgrim said.

The Shri Amarnath Yatra had been suspended on July 19 from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes following persistent rainfall and adverse weather conditions across the Kashmir Valley.

So far, more than 3.7 lakh devotees have offered prayers at the holy cave shrine during the ongoing 57-day pilgrimage, which is scheduled to conclude on August 28.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, July 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is set to mark a new milestone in the cultural and creative sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday when he will unveil the logo of the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026.

The logo unveiling ceremony will be held at the Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar, at 5.30 p.m. today marking the formal beginning of preparations for the prestigious film festival.

The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir aims to provide a global platform for film-makers, artistes, and creative professionals while showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes and diverse storytelling traditions.

The festival is expected to attract film-makers from across India and abroad, promoting Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging destination for cinema, art and creative industries.

Officials said the initiative will help strengthen the local film ecosystem by encouraging film production, tourism and employment opportunities for youth associated with the creative sector.

The unveiling event is likely to be attended by senior government officials, members of the film fraternity and other stakeholders. With the launch of IFFJK 2026, Jammu and Kashmir is taking a significant step towards establishing itself on the international cinematic map.

The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK 2026) will take place from September 7 to 10, 2026, primarily at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

The festival will continue from September 7 to 10 (with events spanning up to September 11 in broader coordination).

The Main Venue is SKICC, Srinagar, alongside open-air screenings and events planned across various tourist destinations.

Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) are the organisers.

Global entries for competitions (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor Male/Female) opened on July 1 and run through July 31, 2026, via platforms like FilmFreeway.

The festival will feature international competitions, Indian cinema sections, documentaries, short films, student films, animation, and regional cinema.

Related activities will include industry forums, technical workshops, and cultural programs designed to re-establish Jammu and Kashmir's historic connection with the cinematic world.

Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, July 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, which is turning sports into a way of life in rural India, will be making its debut in Haryana this month, bringing the spirit of rural sports and community celebrations together.

Swami Pulaka, national coordinator of Isha Gramotsavam, told the media here on Thursday that Isha Gramotsavam, which has been held over the years, has witnessed inspiring transformations beyond the playing field.

"Villages have come together in celebration, women have stepped out to participate with wholehearted support from their families, and communities have become stronger through the spirit of sport. We have also seen many participants choosing healthier lifestyles, gradually moving away from unhealthy habits and addictions."

He said that Haryana already has a proud sporting legacy, and "we hope Isha Gramotsavam will further strengthen that culture at the grassroots, bringing villages together, inspiring rural youth and women, and creating an occasion where every community can celebrate, compete and grow together".

The tournament will follow a multi-stage format comprising cluster-level matches, divisional rounds and the grand finale.

In Haryana, cluster-level matches will be held on July 25-26 in Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, while Hisar and Kurukshetra will host cluster matches on August 1-2.

The divisional rounds will be held on August 9 in Karnal with the qualifying team from Haryana advancing to the grand finale from September 4-6 at the Isha Yoga Center Coimbatore, in front of the iconic Adiyogi.

Unlike professional sporting events, Isha Gramotsavam is exclusively for everyday rural citizens -- from farmers and daily-wage earners to homemakers and students.

Anuj Jaglan, 29, dairy farmer from Jondhan Kalan village of Panipat and a Gramotsavam participant, said, "When I heard about Isha Gramotsavam, a few boys from our village and I formed a team and registered as it was free of cost. Within a few days, we noticed a positive change. Instead of spending evenings on mobile phones, we started to come together to practice."

"In villages, addictions like hookah are very common, but Gramotsavam gives rural youth a direction through sports. When others see their friends playing and enjoying the game, they too are inspired to step onto the field instead of falling into unhealthy habits. If even a few young lives change because of this, it will be a victory beyond the tournament," Jaglan told the media.

Isha Gramotsavam has a prize pool of more than Rs 1 crore which includes cash awards at the cluster, divisional and grand finale stages.

At the cluster level, the winning team will receive Rs 10,000, the runners-up Rs 7,000, while the third and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively.

Teams qualifying from the cluster level will advance to the divisional rounds, where the winners will receive Rs 15,000, the runners-up Rs 10,000, the third-placed team Rs 6,000 and the fourth-placed team Rs 4,000.

At the grand finale, the winning volleyball and throwball teams will receive Rs 5 lakh each, while the runners-up will receive Rs 3 lakh.

The third and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000, respectively.

Separate prize money has also been earmarked for the Paralympic category.

One of the inspiring stories from Haryana's inaugural edition of Isha Gramotsavam is that of a 66-year-old farmer named Jalpati, from Waiser village in Panipat.

Defying age-related stereotypes, she has registered for the tournament and is bringing together a women's throwball team from her village.

Her enthusiasm reflects how Isha Gramotsavam is becoming a platform for women across generations to step onto the playing field with confidence, inspiring more women to participate and strengthening the spirit of community through sport.

Besides Haryana, Isha Outreach under its Action for Rural Rejuvenation initiative the tournament will be held across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry.

Source: IANS

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Ayodhya, July 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Thursday released fresh photographs of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, showing large numbers of devotees visiting the temple every day to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Ram Lalla.

The images capture devotees entering the temple premises, participating in darshan, and moving through the sprawling complex in a deeply devotional atmosphere.

According to the Trust, the steady influx of pilgrims reflects the unwavering faith of devotees despite all the controversies surrounding the temple administration.

The release of the photographs comes a day after the Trust asserted that the flow of pilgrims to the temple has remained unaffected.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Interim General Secretary of the Trust Krishna Mohan said that the number of devotees visiting the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple continues to remain steady despite what he described as "propaganda and exaggerated allegations".

"Despite all the propaganda and exaggerated allegations, the number of devotees visiting the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple remains unchanged. This is proof that the faith and belief of millions of Ram devotees remain unwavering despite baseless, false, and misleading allegations," Krishna Mohan added.

After the meeting, the Trust had reiterated in an official statement that the continued stream of pilgrims demonstrates that the faith of millions of Ram devotees has remained unshaken despite the allegations.

Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a key meeting in Ayodhya on Wednesday to discuss administrative appointments, including the selection of its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Board decided to defer the appointment by about a month after the selection committee sought additional time to scrutinise the large number of applications received for the post.

According to the Trust, the committee is currently reviewing applications, verifying eligibility, and shortlisting candidates based on their credentials.

The Board accepted the committee's request for additional time, citing the importance of making a careful selection.

The Trust also finalised the appointment of a full-time General Secretary and named an official spokesperson to strengthen its communication efforts amid the recent donation embezzlement controversy.

In another significant decision, the Trust reconstituted its religious committee to preserve the traditional authenticity and sanctity of rituals and worship at the Ram Mandir.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Thursday a plea filed by the Hindu side seeking permission to offer prayers at the alleged Shivling located in the sealed area of the Gyanvapi premises during the holy month of Sawan.

The apex court will take up fresh petitions moved by the Hindu side requesting permission to conduct worship and Jalabhishek of the alleged Shivling situated inside the sealed wuzukhana area of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

The area has remained sealed since 2022 in compliance with an interim order passed by the Supreme Court.

The Hindu side has informed the court that it is prepared to fully comply with any conditions imposed by the judiciary, including all security-related arrangements, while seeking permission to perform the religious rituals. The disputed structure, claimed by the Hindu side to be a Shivling, was discovered during the court-monitored survey conducted in 2022 and has remained sealed in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions.

Earlier this month, both the Hindu and Muslim parties formally declined the Supreme Court's proposal to resolve the dispute through mediation under its "Samadhan Samaroh" initiative, opting instead to have the matter adjudicated through the regular judicial process on its legal merits.

The Hindu side has consistently maintained that the Gyanvapi mosque was built after the demolition of a temple during the Mughal period. The Muslim side, however, maintains that the mosque is a legally recognised Waqf property and has disputed the claims put forward by the Hindu petitioners.

The dispute has witnessed several significant judicial developments over the past year. In January 2024, the Varanasi District Court permitted Hindu devotees to offer prayers in the Vyas Tehkhana, the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Subsequently, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Gyanvapi mosque management committee challenging the district court's order. The High Court also directed the Varanasi District Magistrate to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust in conducting worship rituals at the Vyas Tehkhana in accordance with the court's directions.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) A total of 5,200 applications have been received for the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and the selection process is expected to be completed in a month, said temple officials after the special meeting on Wednesday.

The Temple Trust held a special meeting inside the temple complex in Ayodhya on Wednesday, for finalising the appointment of a new General Secretary, filling three vacant Trustee posts and also the Ram Mandir’s first CEO amid the donation misappropriation row.

Briefing the newsmen about the meeting outcome, the Temple Trust’s interim General Secretary Krishna Mohan said that the overwhelming number of applications were received for the CEO post and therefore the Board decided to extend the selection process by four weeks.

He stressed that despite the malicious propaganda and skewed narrative regarding the theft controversy, the faith of devotees has remained unshaken, and the surge of devotees to Ram Mandir has remained as static as earlier.

Ram Temple Treasurer Govind Dev Giri informed that a nine-member religious committee has been reconstituted to ensure that the temple’s religious arrangements and rituals are followed and adhered to in entirety.

“The religious committee will consist of five members from the Ayodhya saint community and four from other temple trusts. They will ensure that the daily temple rituals in Ram temple adhere to Vedic Ramanandi traditions,” Govind Dev Giri said.

“Five Ayodhya saints will ensure proper service and religious duties of the Ram temple," he added.

He also said that a decision has been taken to set up a permanent institute, to be certified by the Ram temple trust, for training priests.

“We need them for 14 temples here. We want our priests to be known everywhere. We will teach priests across the world about religious rituals,” he said.

The Trust, pertaining to a probe into alleged embezzlement in the donation controversy, said that no discussion could take place regarding the irregularities in the offering-counting process, as the final report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the matter has not yet been received.

Source: IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday directed officials to emphasise effective crowd management and seamless information flow during the upcoming Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and other deities to the Shree Jagannath Temple, scheduled to be held on July 24 in Puri.

Bahuda Yatra is one of the most significant events of the annual Rath Yatra festival, during which lakhs of devotees pull the chariots of the sibling deities from the Gundicha Temple back to the 12th-century shrine on the ninth day of the world-famous festival in Puri.

The Chief Minister issued the directions while reviewing preparations for the Bahuda Yatra at a high-level meeting here on Wednesday. CM Majhi also appealed to devotees and pilgrims to follow the guidelines issued by the police and district administration.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), during the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that all rituals associated with the annual Rath Yatra festival have so far been conducted smoothly. Despite incessant rainfall, adverse weather conditions, heat and humidity, the dedication and commitment of officials, employees, volunteers and devotees remained unaffected.

Majhi lauded the sincerity and devotion of the servitors (sevayats) and thanked them for their invaluable service. He also appreciated the coordinated team effort of all government officials and staff engaged in the management of the festival. The Chief Minister was informed that the district administration and police have been maintaining constant vigil in Puri and are regularly monitoring all arrangements.

Senior officials have remained present during key events, including the Pahandi ritual, chariot pulling, Dakshini Moda and Adapa Mandap darshan, to oversee the smooth conduct of all the rituals.

CM Majhi instructed officials to accord greater priority to crowd management and continuous information flow during the festival. He stressed the need for scientific monitoring of crowd density and said that real-time inputs from CCTV cameras should be integrated through the Integrated Command and Control Centre and immediately relayed to personnel at locations experiencing congestion, enabling prompt intervention.

With the Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Niladri Bije rituals still to be held, he directed officials to pay special focus to ensure that all rituals are conducted in a smooth, orderly and disciplined manner.

Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee presented a detailed report on the management of the Rath Yatra. Director General of Police, Odisha, Y.B. Khurania, Director General of Fire Services Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi and Additional Director General of Police (Modernisation) SK Priyadarshi briefed the meeting on the security arrangements and policing measures for the remaining events of the festival.

Source: IANS

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Agartala, July 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Maintaining centuries-old traditions, elaborate rituals and colourful ceremonies, the historic ‘Kharchi Puja’ commenced on Wednesday at 'Puran Habeli' -- the former capital of the erstwhile princely state of Tripura, now known as Khayerpur, about 8 kms north of Agartala.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, accompanied by other dignitaries, inaugurated the seven-day-long fair and ‘Kharchi Puja’, during which 14 deities are worshipped simultaneously in one of the state’s most revered and unique religious festivals.

Lakhs of devotees and tourists from different parts of the country are expected to participate in the week-long fair and the centuries-old festival, which began amid traditional rituals, religious fervour and cultural festivities.

The annual Kharchi Puja and the accompanying fair are traditionally believed to symbolise the cleansing of the sins of mortal souls.

Kharchi Puja and Mela Committee Chairman Ratan Chakraborty, who is also a former Minister, said that lakhs of devotees and tourists from across the country participate in the unique festival and its associated rituals every year.

Chakraborty, a former Speaker of the Tripura Assembly, expressed hope that if the weather remains favourable, this year's turnout would surpass that of the previous year.

He said that with the objective of building a greener Tripura, this year’s Kharchi Festival has adopted the theme “Ek Ped, Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name). As part of the initiative, saplings of various species would be distributed free of cost to visitors attending the seven-day Kharchi Fair through a government initiative.

The MLA, however, said that owing to the prevailing situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, the number of visitors from across the border is likely to be lower than in previous years. Originally a festival of the indigenous Tripuri community, the seven-day-long Kharchi Puja has, over the years, evolved into a festival celebrated by people of all communities and religions, reflecting Tripura’s rich tradition of communal harmony and social inclusiveness.

The festival is marked by colourful marquees, decorative illumination, religious rites and the chanting of Vedic mantras amid the rhythmic beats of traditional drums.

Fourteen deities are worshipped during the festival -- Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (the God of Water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri (the Himalayas).

Animal sacrifice offered by devotees forms an integral part of the ‘Kharchi Puja’ rituals. Another unique feature of the festival is that the fourteen Deities enshrined in the historic temple are represented only by their sacred heads rather than full-bodied idols, making the centuries-old worship distinct from most other Hindu traditions.

In keeping with centuries-old tradition, the week-long festival begins with a colourful procession in which the idols of the deities are ceremonially taken out, accompanied by the Tripura Police band.

The deities and priests are escorted by Tripura Police personnel, who also present a ceremonial guard of honour to the Chief Royal Priest, popularly known as the Raj Chantaia, underscoring the festival’s royal legacy. On October 15, 1949, Tripura came under the administration of the Government of India after the merger agreement was signed between the then Regent Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi and the Governor-General of India.

The merger agreement made it mandatory for the Tripura government to continue sponsoring 14 temples and their associated religious ceremonies, including the Kharchi Puja and the revered Mata Tripura Sundari Temple -- one of the country’s 51 Shakti Peethas -- which had long been patronised by the erstwhile Hindu princely rulers.

In accordance with the merger agreement, the Tripura government has continued to bear the expenses of the Kharchi Puja and related rituals for the past several decades. For more than 78 years, until 1838, Puran Habeli served as the capital of the erstwhile undivided kingdom of Tripura, whose territory then extended into large parts of present-day Sylhet, Brahmanbaria and Comilla districts of Bangladesh.

King Krishna Manikya Bahadur (1760-1783) shifted the capital from Udaipur in southern Tripura to Puran Habeli in 1760, and the temple of the 14 deities, constructed during his reign, continues to stand as a symbol of the state's rich historical and cultural heritage.

In 1838, King Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur (1830-1849) shifted the capital from Puran Habeli to Agartala, which has since remained Tripura’s capital.

On the occasion of the traditional Kharchi Festival, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu and Chief Minister Manik Saha extended their greetings to the people of the state. In his message, the Governor described Kharchi Puja as one of Tripura's most popular festivals and expressed hope that it would bring joy, love, happiness, peace, prosperity and a spirit of brotherhood among the people.

In his greeting message, Chief Minister Saha said that the traditional Kharchi Festival has, for generations, symbolised communal harmony, goodwill, unity and social integration. He noted that the festival, which embodies Tripura's rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions, has earned special recognition across the Northeastern region.

The Chief Minister further said that with the wholehearted participation of people from all communities, irrespective of caste, tribe, religion or creed, the Kharchi Festival has evolved into a grand celebration of universal harmony, social unity and cultural coexistence.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)

Source: IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of the two devotees who died during this year's Rath Yatra in Puri on July 16.

The decision was announced through a post on the official X handle of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

“Chief Minister @MohanMOdisha has expressed deep grief over the demise of Anil Das of Kataka and Ashok Subare Raikar of Mumbai, who passed away while undergoing treatment after falling ill in Puri on July 16. The Chief Minister has also announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of the deceased,” informed the CMO.

The state government had earlier confirmed the death of two devotees during the Rath Yatra but denied allegations that a stampede had occurred during the festival.

Following the incident, the state government noted, "during the course of the festival, seven persons felt unwell and were immediately evacuated by the deployed personnel and shifted to the hospital without delay. Among them, one male devotee aged above 60 years unfortunately succumbed."

The government also added that in a separate and unrelated incident, a male devotee aged above 35 years had a cardiac arrest and, despite immediate medical intervention, unfortunately passed away. Besides, many devotees who became unwell due to incessant rain-induced illness were given medical treatment at the hospital and were discharged after proper medical treatment.

The incident triggered widespread outrage, with opposition leaders accusing the state government of serious lapses in crowd management that allegedly led to the deaths of the devotees.

The opposition also alleged that the state government is trying to suppress the stampede incident in which three devotees died while over 350 others sustained injuries.

The main opposition BJD claimed that during the Rath Yatra on July 16, four critically injured devotees were brought to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital following the stampede near Marichikote Chowk on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) of Puri.

The party also alleged that the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Puri, declared three of them dead while the post-mortem reports clearly established that the three devotees died due to the stampede.

“What is even more surprising is that every possible attempt is being made to cover up the administrative lapses by attributing the incident to "Lord Jagannath's will." This is highly condemnable. We demand a judicial inquiry into the stampede that occurred during the Ghosa Yatra (Rath Yatra). The government should now ensure that all rituals and religious ceremonies of Lord Jagannath, from the upcoming Bahuda Yatra to Niladri Bije, are conducted smoothly and without any disruption,” demanded BJD.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent probe into the Ram Temple donation theft case, citing devotees' feelings of betrayal due to the allegations.

The Ram Temple donation theft case is a criminal investigation into the embezzlement of cash and precious items donated by devotees at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The Congress leaders criticised the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's governance, noting members' affiliations with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and called for full public disclosure of cash, gold, silver offerings, and accounts regardless of political influence.

In the letter, Gandhi and Kharge wrote, "You are aware of the theft of thousands of crores in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and Trust are feeling betrayed by the theft."

They said that even though PM Modi announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on the directions of the Supreme Court, its members "have been solely appointed by your government". They said that it is "public knowledge" that the members of the Trust are "affiliated with the RSS, VHP", and its affiliates.

"Its disgraced former General Secretary was also your close associate," the letter read.

"Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution. We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Trust, including the handling of all offerings, including cash, gold, silver," the Congress leaders said.

They demanded that the findings and the Trust's accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilised.

"All those found responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of position or influence. The credibility of your government and the Trust rests on how transparently and swiftly you act. The people of India are watching," Gandhi and Kharge stated.

The case came to light when whistleblowers raised concerns that up to Rs 7 crore worth of cash and jewellery may have been siphoned off. The Uttar Pradesh government appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to audit the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accounts and monitor the counting rooms.

The Supreme Court has also demanded a status report on the probe.

So far, the police have arrested eight individuals, including temple staff, bank employees, and aides to trust officials, after discovering security lapses and unauthorised access during the cash-counting process.

Meanwhile, the temple trust tightened security, implementing mandatory frisking, biometric tracking, and police oversight in all counting areas to prevent future theft.

Source: IANS

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Katra, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid adverse weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.

This also coincides with the suspension of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra due to the inclement weather forecast.

Authorities have urged devotees to cooperate and avoid undertaking the pilgrimage until further orders.

They urged pilgrims to stay updated for the latest information on the Yatra's resumption.

Meanwhile, for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, said that in view of the inclement weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the pilgrimage shall remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from Sunday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well‑being of the pilgrims.

He added that no onward movement of pilgrims will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from Sunday. Updates regarding the resumption of the Yatra will be issued in due course, after ensuring route safety and a comprehensive assessment of the weather conditions.

So far, over 3.7 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra. This year's SANJY‑2026 started on July 3 and will conclude after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

Yatris approach the Holy Cave Shrine, situated at 3,880 metres above sea level, either via the traditional, longer Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after having Darshan inside the cave shrine.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite that waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Due to security reasons, the area beyond the two base camps of Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) has been declared a 'No-fly zone'. No helicopter service is available to the Yatris this year due to this reason.

Source: IANS

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Baku, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Embassy of India in Azerbaijan has inaugurated a Permanent Exhibition on UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India at its premises in Baku, celebrating India’s rich cultural and natural heritage while further strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties between India and Azerbaijan.

The special event, held on Saturday, drew ambassadors and diplomats from several countries, members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, representatives of the business community, tour and travel operators, leading media organisations, social media influencers, and members of the Indian diaspora.

The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan Abhay Kumar and Anna Soave, Head of Country Programme of UN-Habitat Azerbaijan. Together they unveiled a vibrant display of 17 exhibition panels featuring a selection of India’s most iconic cultural and natural landmarks recognised by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Kumar said India is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a cultural legacy stretching back thousands of years. He noted that India is home to 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 36 Cultural Sites, seven Natural Sites, and one Mixed Site, representing not only India’s extraordinary heritage but also the shared heritage of humanity.

He referred to internationally renowned landmarks such as the ancient Nalanda University, the iconic Taj Mahal, the Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, and the magnificent temple complexes of Hampi and Khajuraho as shining examples of India’s diverse civilizational journey, artistic excellence, and architectural brilliance. Expressing hope that the exhibition would inspire visitors, he said it would encourage greater appreciation of India’s cultural and natural wealth while deepening cultural engagement between India and Azerbaijan.

Speaking on the occasion, Anna Soave praised the Embassy of India for launching the permanent exhibition, describing it as an innovative initiative that promotes cultural awareness, dialogue, and appreciation of humanity’s shared heritage.

She commended India’s remarkable commitment to preserving its invaluable historical and natural treasures for future generations and said the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect an exceptional civilizational legacy and rich cultural diversity.

Following the inauguration, guests enjoyed a colourful Heritage-cum-Fashion Walk featuring Azerbaijani participants dressed in traditional Indian attire representing different states and regions of India.

The celebrations also included an Indian Street Food Festival, where visitors sampled a wide range of authentic Indian delicacies and beverages, showcasing the diversity and rich flavours of Indian cuisine. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by vibrant cultural performances presented by Azerbaijani artists inspired by India’s artistic traditions, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The Permanent Exhibition will remain open to the general public at the Embassy of India, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore some of India’s most celebrated cultural and natural landmarks and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s enduring civilizational heritage.

Earlier, ahead of the event, the Embassy of India in Azerbaijan had shared Ambassador Kumar’s invitation to the public for the opening of the Permanent Exhibition on UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India and the accompanying Indian Street Food Festival.

Inviting visitors, Ambassador Kumar had said, “This exhibition showcases India’s great monuments and World Heritage Sites. At the same time, we will also be offering you the great Indian street food like chai, samosa and various other chats made from various ingredients from North India, from South India.”

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Lakhs of devotees continued to throng Puri in Odisha on Saturday to offer prayers and have darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, who are seated on their majestic chariots in front of the Gundicha Temple as part of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Thousands of pilgrims from across the country and abroad gathered at the pilgrimage town to witness the divine darshan of the sibling deities and participate in one of India’s most revered religious festivals. The atmosphere remained charged with devotion as devotees chanted hymns, offered prayers and sought blessings.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities, the Puri Police put in place elaborate crowd management arrangements to regulate the large gathering and facilitate the movement of devotees. Security personnel were deployed at key locations, while officials monitored the flow of pilgrims to ensure a safe and orderly darshan.

Expressing his prayers for the well-being of humanity, a devotee said, “…I pray that the Lord grants wisdom to everyone, brings peace to the world, and puts an end to the conflicts that are going on. May He continue to bless everyone. The arrangements are good…”

Among the international devotees was Radhika Lila Devi from Hungary, who spoke about the profound spiritual experience of witnessing the Rath Yatra.

She said, “When I look at the devotees here, I get goosebumps. I can see so many different emotions on their faces, some are crying, some are smiling.”

Recalling a touching moment, she added, “I just saw a woman who had brought rice as an offering for the Lord. Seeing the devotion of everyone here moves me deeply.”

Describing her own spiritual journey, Radhika Lila Devi said, “My tears do not come only because I love the Lord, but because I keep asking Him, ‘When will I experience that kind of love for you?’ The Lord is like the most powerful magnet; there is nothing more powerful…”

The world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India’s largest and most revered religious festivals, commenced on Thursday in Puri, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country to witness the grand annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

The centuries-old festival holds immense religious significance as it is the only occasion when the presiding deities of the Jagannath Temple leave the sanctum sanctorum and travel through the streets of Puri, enabling devotees from all walks of life to seek their blessings.

During the Rath Yatra, the three sibling deities are ceremonially placed on magnificently decorated wooden chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees amid devotional chants, religious songs and an atmosphere of deep faith.

The annual procession marks the sacred journey of the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where, according to tradition, they stay for a few days while visiting their aunt. The yatra symbolises divine compassion, inclusivity and Lord Jagannath’s desire to come out among his devotees to bless everyone, irrespective of social or cultural barriers.

Every year, the festival attracts an enormous congregation of pilgrims, sants and tourists from India and around the world, making it one of the country’s most significant religious and cultural celebrations.

Source: IANS

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Chamoli, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) Amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of offerings at Uttarakhand's Shri Badrinath Dham, the Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat has written to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging the state government to expand the scope of the enquiry to include allegations of bribery for special darshan and unauthorised entry into the temple premises.

The Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat, which represents the Tirth Purohits (temple priests) associated with Badrinath Dham, has sought a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities, stating that the existing probe should also examine complaints relating to paid special darshan and violations of temple entry rules.

The demand comes at a time when Shri Badrinath Dham, one of the holiest shrines of Sanatan Dharma in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, has remained in the spotlight following claims circulating on social media regarding the "irregularities" in the handling of offerings.

The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister on July 17, the Panda Panchayat alleged that certain individuals were illegally collecting money from devotees and pilgrims in exchange for facilitating special darshan at the shrine.

The Panchayat further alleged that some employees belonging to different departments were permitting unauthorised entry into the temple through Gate No. 2, resulting in disorder and violation of established procedures.

In its letter, the Panchayat stated, "The Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat welcomes the steps taken by you regarding the theft of offerings and hopes that strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty, thereby sending a clear message. Expanding the scope of the enquiry into the aforementioned matter, the Shri Badrish Panda Panchayat demands action against certain individuals who are facilitating unauthorised 'darshan' for pilgrims and devotees in exchange for money."

The letter further stated, "Furthermore, employees from various departments working at the shrine are consistently allowing unauthorised entry through Gate No. 2, creating disorder; strict action must be ensured against such elements as well. The enquiry committee constituted by you should seriously consider these issues and include them in the investigation so that a decisive blow can be dealt to corruption in its entirety."

The Panda Panchayat also asserted that an impartial and comprehensive investigation into these allegations could bring to light other irregularities connected with the management and functioning of the shrine.

It urged the government to initiate strict legal action against anyone found guilty if the allegations are substantiated, saying such measures would help maintain transparency in the administration of Shri Badrinath Dham and preserve the faith and confidence of devotees visiting the temple.

The Panchayat also welcomed the action taken so far by the Uttarakhand government and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the alleged embezzlement of offerings. It said it was prepared to extend full cooperation to the investigating agencies in ensuring that the truth comes to light.

Meanwhile, officials on Friday said that the Special Investigation Team has arrested former temple officer Rajendra Chauhan in connection with the alleged embezzlement of offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham.

Chauhan, who is considered one of the key suspects in the case, was taken into custody after nearly four hours of questioning. He will be produced before a court on Saturday as the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities continues.

His arrest came a day after the four-member enquiry committee constituted by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) submitted its 18-page report to the authorities on Thursday. The committee recommended several measures aimed at strengthening transparency and security during the counting of offerings.

Among its key recommendations, the committee suggested that a dress code should be made mandatory during the counting process. It also recommended the installation of CCTV cameras in uncovered areas as well as inside the counting centre to ensure comprehensive surveillance and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.

Based on the findings of the enquiry committee, the BKTC has also suspended Pramod Nautiyal. An FIR had earlier been registered against Nautiyal under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He had been serving as a personal assistant in the office of BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha said on Friday that more than 3.5 lakh Yatris have had Darshan during the 15 days since Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 started on July 3.

L-G Sinha on Friday visited the Nunwan base camp and inspected the facilities in place for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims.

At the base camp, the Lieutenant Governor chaired a meeting with senior government officials and reviewed the arrangements being made for essential services provided to pilgrims, including drinking water, electricity, telecom connectivity, accommodation, food, healthcare, emergency services and security.

He also inspected the Yatra Registration Counter and reviewed the registration process.

The Lieutenant Governor directed all departments to work in mission mode to ensure the welfare of the pilgrims.

"Today marks 15 days since the pilgrimage began, and in these 15 days more than 3.50 lakh pilgrims have had darshan of Baba Bholenath. By the grace of Lord Shiva, the yatra is proceeding smoothly."

"There is great enthusiasm among devotees coming from every corner of the country, and local residents and service providers are also actively engaged in making this sacred pilgrimage a success," L-G Sinha added.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials to ensure that the environment remains fully protected.

He further instructed for special cleanliness drives along both routes and camps.

"We are dedicated to a waste-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and we must, working together under a whole-of-government approach, fulfill this commitment," the Lieutenant Governor told the officials.

He directed the officers to regularly obtain feedback from the pilgrims and ensure prompt redressal of any issues brought to their notice.

He instructed that all services provided to the pilgrims should strictly follow a 100 per cent prepaid system to ensure transparency and prevent overcharging.

In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall over the coming days, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Union Territory administration and all stakeholder agencies to remain fully prepared, strengthen contingency measures and ensure the safety, security and convenience of the pilgrims under all circumstances.

He also directed that each tent should have a mandatory fire extinguisher.

During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the pilgrims and discussed about their experience during the holy pilgrimage.

The pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and appreciated the cleanliness, sanitation arrangements, security, accommodation facilities and invaluable support of the personnel engaged in Yatra duties.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the expansion of infrastructure and pilgrim facilities in recent years has been reflected positively in the feedback from devotees.

He said, alongside these advancements, it is essential to ensure that every pilgrim can access these facilities seamlessly, without any impediment.

He also interacted with shopkeepers, service providers, langar-sevadars, volunteers, and lauded their valuable contribution in facilitating the smooth pilgrimage of the devotees of Baba Barfani.

Speaking to the mediapersons, the Lieutenant Governor said: "Through the seamless coordination of all departments of J&K administration, Police, Army, security forces, Shrine Board and all stakeholders, the arrangements for this year's pilgrimage are significantly enhanced. Feedback from the pilgrims has been overwhelmingly positive."

"This pilgrimage continues to drive vital economic benefits for Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, following the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's appeal for visiting pilgrims to purchase local products, a large number of devotees are buying local products such as handloom and handicrafts. In the days to come, this pilgrimage will be remembered as a truly memorable and historic one."

The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic J&K; Sujit Kumar Singh, IGP Security; Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Nodal Officer for Pahalgam Axis; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Javid Iqbal Matoo, DIG South Kashmir Range; Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Anantnag Deputy Commissioner; Amod Nagpure Ashok, Anantnag SSP, Anoo Malhotra, DG Rural Sanitation; and senior officers of Shrine Board, civil administration, police and security forces.

Source: IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Odisha government has confirmed the deaths of two devotees but denied reports of any stampede-like incident during the annual Rath Yatra festival, which commenced in the holy coastal town of Puri with the participation of lakhs of pilgrims from across the state, the country and abroad.

As per an official statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the world famous Ratha Yatra 2026 of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Chakraraj Sudarshana was celebrated on Thursday in Puri with immense religious fervour, devotion and exemplary administrative coordination.

It also added that despite persistent rainfall and inclement weather conditions throughout the day, the festival witnessed an estimated eight to nine lakh devotees from across Odisha, the country and abroad, reflecting the unparalleled faith of devotees in the deities.

"All the sacred rituals connected with the festival, including the pulling of the three chariots, were conducted smoothly and completed as planned. Govardhan Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya also came to the chariots and offered prayers. The state government made comprehensive and multi-layered arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival," the CMO said in the statement.

The state government also informed that extensive planning was undertaken well in advance, involving all stakeholder departments, including Police, Health, Fire Services, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Transport, Municipal Administration, Public Health Engineering, Energy and other line departments.

Round-the-clock monitoring, deployment of adequate security personnel, extensive CCTV coverage, public announcement systems, traffic regulation, sanitation measures, drinking water facilities, emergency response teams and medical infrastructure ensured that devotees could participate in the festival safely and conveniently.

The Odisha government claimed that considering the unprecedented gathering of devotees and the continuous rainfall, instances of fatigue, dehydration, suffocation and minor health-related discomfort were reported during the course of the day.

"During the course of the festival, seven persons felt unwell and were immediately evacuated by the deployed personnel and shifted to the hospital without delay. Among them, one male devotee aged above 60 years unfortunately succumbed, and the exact cause of death is being ascertained by the concerned authorities," the state government said.

As per the CMO, in a separate and an unrelated incident, a male devotee aged above 35 years suffered a cardiac arrest and, despite immediate medical intervention, unfortunately passed away.

Besides, many devotees became unwell due to incessant rain-induced illness who were given medical treatment at hospital and were discharged after proper medical treatment.

"The overall conduct of the festival remained peaceful, orderly and well managed. There was no incident of stampede or any systemic breakdown of crowd management," the government clarified.

The coordinated efforts of the administration, security agencies, servitors and volunteers ensured uninterrupted movement of devotees.

The situation remained normal throughout the festival, with all essential services functioning effectively.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the servitors and thanked the lakhs of devotees for their patience, discipline and cooperation, which greatly contributed to the peaceful and successful celebration of the festival.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that every devotee experiences the sacred festival with safety, dignity and convenience through continuous improvement in infrastructure, public services and administrative preparedness.

Source: IANS

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Baku, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan is set to open in Baku a permanent exhibition on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites of India.

The Embassy shared an invitation for the event with a video message from India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar.

"Ambassador Abhay Kumar’s message inviting you to the Opening of Permanent Exhibition on UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India and Indian Street Food Festival on 18th of July, 6 PM at Embassy of India, Baku," the Embassy wrote on X.

"We are delighted to present a permanent exhibition on UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India in Baku this Saturday evening. This exhibition showcases India's great monuments and World Heritage Sites. At the same time, we will also be offering you the great Indian street food like chai, samosa and various other chats made from various ingredients from North India, from South India," the Ambassador said in his video message.

"So please do join us this Saturday evening to experience India. There will be music, there will be a fashion show where local Azerbaijani participants will be in Indian attire, and there will be very interesting music and dance," he added.

According to UNESCO, there are 44 properties in India that are inscribed on the World Heritage List. Out of the 44 properties, 36 come under cultural world heritage, seven are natural world heritage, and one is a mixed world heritage property.

A World Heritage site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO. World Heritage sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. The sites are judged to contain cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity (OUV).

The first site listed as a World Heritage site in India was Agra Fort (1983). The same year, Taj Mahal (1983), Ellora Caves (1983) and Ajanta Caves (1983) were inscribed on the list by the World Heritage Committee.

Source: IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Torrential rain failed to dampen the spirit of lakhs of devotees who remained immersed in devotion during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Odisha's holy town of Puri on Thursday.

Devotees gathered along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) were seen holding a sea of umbrellas while chanting 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Hari Bol' and dancing in ecstasy despite the incessant downpour.

On Thursday, the world-famous annual Rath Yatra festival began with the commencement of the Pahandi Bije ritual of the divine siblings and other deities, ahead of the scheduled time.

The holy siblings, along with other deities during the Pahandi Bije ritual, were escorted out from the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple to their respective decorated chariots in a grand ceremonial procession with the enthralling and divine sound of traditional musical instruments, like ghanta (gong), kahali (trumpet), and telingi baja, etc.

The priests, chanting sacred Vedic hymns, and traditional Odissi artists with their enthralling dance performances welcomed the deities on their nine-day sojourn for the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their birthplace.

Although the Pahandi Bije rituals began ahead of schedule, their completion was delayed by more than two hours on Thursday.

Following the completion of the Pahandi ritual, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, along with his disciples, offered puja to the holy siblings on the chariots. Later, Puri King Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb, the first servitor of the Lord Jagannath, offered prayers to the deities and conducted the ceremonial sweeping of the chariots with a golden broom.

It is worth noting that the district administration and the state housing and urban development department have made elaborate arrangements for prompt discharge of stormwater in waterlogging-prone areas across Puri town. Besides, the district administration, police and other departments have also made elaborate arrangements in the city to ensure a smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra this year.

More than 13,000 police personnel, along with an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), have been deployed for security arrangements during the festival. The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy will also remain on alert to check any illegal activities through the coastal route.

On the other hand, as many as 19 senior IPS officers have been assigned the duty to supervise the overall security arrangements.

Source: IANS

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Ranchi, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 335th historic Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was taken out in Ranchi on Thursday amid an atmosphere of deep faith, tradition, and communal harmony.

The grand procession, which began from the historic Jagannathpur Temple, drew lakhs of devotees from across the region.

Amid chants of “Jai Jagannath”, the blowing of conch shells, and devotional songs, the idols of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra were ceremoniously placed on the ornate chariot and taken towards Mausibari (the maternal aunt’s abode).

Following traditional rituals and special prayers, the deities were installed on the chariot before the procession commenced.

As the Rath Yatra began, enthusiasm among devotees reached its peak. Thousands joined hands to pull the chariot with ropes along the nearly half-km route to Mausibari.

Lord Jagannath will remain there for nine days, granting devotees darshan, before returning to the main temple during the traditional Ghurti Rath Yatra.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also participated in the celebrations. Extending his wishes on the occasion, he prayed that the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to all.

He said the Rath Yatra inspires people to walk the path of service, social harmony, faith, and humanity.

The Ranchi Rath Yatra is regarded as one of the oldest such processions in the country. Its origins date back to 1691, when Nagvanshi ruler Aninath Shahdeo drew inspiration from the famed Jagannath Temple in Puri and constructed the Jagannathpur Temple atop a hill in Ranchi.

He subsequently initiated the Rath Yatra tradition, which has continued uninterrupted for over three centuries. Today, the festival forms an integral part of Jharkhand’s cultural and religious identity.

The architecture and rituals of the Jagannathpur Temple closely resemble those of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are worshipped according to age-old traditions. For devotees, pulling the sacred chariot is considered an act of immense spiritual merit.

One of the defining features of the Ranchi Rath Yatra is its enduring message of social cohesion. For generations, people from different castes and communities have played traditional roles in organising and managing the festival. This shared participation has transformed the event into more than just a religious celebration, making it a symbol of cultural heritage, inclusivity, and communal goodwill.

The nine-day fair that accompanies the Rath Yatra is also expected to attract large numbers of visitors from across Jharkhand and neighbouring states, further enhancing the festive spirit surrounding one of the region’s most cherished religious events.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday performed the traditional 'Pahand Vidhi' at the historic Shree Jagannath Mandir in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad, marking the ceremonial start of the city's 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra.

The Chief Minister performed the centuries-old ritual of symbolically sweeping the path before the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and service before Lord Jagannath.

The Pahand Vidhi is performed just before the three chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra leave the temple for their annual procession through the city.

Thousands of devotees gathered at the temple in the early hours to witness the ritual and the commencement of one of Gujarat's largest religious processions.

Earlier in the morning, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah attended the Mangala Aarti and offered prayers at the temple before the deities were placed on the chariots.

The annual Rath Yatra, held on the occasion of Ashadhi Bij, begins from the nearly 400-year-old Shree Jagannath Mandir in Jamalpur and follows its traditional route across Ahmedabad before returning to the temple later in the day.

Regarded as India's second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra after Puri, the procession draws lakhs of devotees every year.

This year's yatra includes the three main chariots, 18 elephants, dozens of akhadas, devotional music groups and decorated tableaux.

Authorities have put in place extensive security and civic arrangements for the event.

More than 31,000 police and security personnel have been deployed along the traditional 16.2-km route, supported by artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance, facial recognition technology, drones, high-resolution CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras to monitor the procession in real time.

Special elephant monitoring systems, GPS trackers and movement sensors have also been introduced to enhance safety following last year's incidents involving elephants.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and other agencies have made arrangements for sanitation, drinking water, medical services, emergency response, traffic management and uninterrupted civic services to facilitate the smooth conduct of the procession, while police have established a multi-layered security grid across the route.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings on the Jagannath Rath Yatra, calling it a "radiant expression" of the country's spiritual and cultural heritage and wishing for peace and prosperity in society.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Greetings to everyone on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra. This is a radiant expression of India's timeless spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with the Rath Yatra have inspired generations across India and the world. They embody humility, collective participation and selfless service."

"May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May He give us strength for all our endeavours and deepen the spirit of togetherness in our society. Jai Jagannath!" he added.

The world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India's largest and most revered religious festivals, commenced on Thursday in Odisha's Puri, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country to witness the grand annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

The centuries-old festival holds immense religious significance as it is the only occasion when the presiding deities of the Jagannath Temple leave the sanctum and travel through the streets of Puri, allowing devotees from all walks of life to seek their blessings.

During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra are ceremonially placed on three magnificently decorated wooden chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees amid chants, devotional songs and religious fervour.

The annual procession marks the sacred journey of the sibling deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where, according to tradition, they visit their aunt.

The yatra symbolises divine compassion, love and Lord Jagannath's desire to come out among his devotees and bless them irrespective of social or cultural barriers.

Every year, the festival attracts an enormous gathering of pilgrims, saints and tourists from different parts of India and abroad, making it one of the country's most significant religious and cultural events.

Additionally, in Gujarat, the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, held on Ashadhi Bij, begins from the nearly 400-year-old Shree Jagannathji Mandir in the Jamalpur area and passes through several parts of Ahmedabad before returning to the temple later in the day.

Considered the second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra in India after the procession in Puri, the event attracts lakhs of devotees from Gujarat and other parts of the country each year.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah performed the mangala aarti and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath at the historic Shree Jagannath Mandir in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad on Thursday, marking the beginning of the city's 149th annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Shah arrived at the temple in the early hours of the morning and participated in the traditional pre-dawn Mangala Aarti before having darshan of Lord Jagannath.

The ritual is among the first ceremonies of Rath Yatra day and precedes the departure of the three chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

Thousands of devotees gathered at the temple to witness the religious ceremonies before the procession commenced.

Senior state government officials, temple authorities and police officers were also present as preparations for the yatra entered their final stage.

The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, held on Ashadhi Bij, begins from the nearly 400-year-old Shree Jagannathji Mandir in the Jamalpur area and passes through several parts of Ahmedabad before returning to the temple later in the day.

Considered the second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra in India after the procession in Puri, the event attracts lakhs of devotees from Gujarat and other parts of the country each year.

Shah has regularly attended the Mangala Aarti at the Ahmedabad temple in previous years, continuing a long-standing tradition of offering prayers before the commencement of the procession.

This year's yatra is being held amid extensive security arrangements. Gujarat Police have deployed more than 31,000 personnel, supported by drones, artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance, thousands of CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras to monitor the 16-km procession route.

Civic authorities have also made elaborate arrangements for crowd management, sanitation, medical services and emergency response to facilitate the smooth conduct of one of Gujarat's most significant annual religious events.

Source: IANS

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Puri, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of India's largest and most revered religious festivals, commenced on Thursday in Odisha's Puri, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country to witness the grand annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

The centuries-old festival holds immense religious significance as it is the only occasion when the presiding deities of the Jagannath Temple leave the sanctum and travel through the streets of Puri, allowing devotees from all walks of life to seek their blessings.

During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra are ceremonially placed on three magnificently decorated wooden chariots, which are pulled by thousands of devotees amid chants, devotional songs and religious fervour.

The annual procession marks the sacred journey of the sibling deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where, according to tradition, they visit their aunt.

The yatra symbolises divine compassion, love and Lord Jagannath's desire to come out among his devotees and bless them irrespective of social or cultural barriers.

Every year, the festival attracts an enormous gathering of pilgrims, saints and tourists from different parts of India and abroad, making it one of the country's most significant religious and cultural events.

Keeping in view the massive influx of devotees expected during the festival, authorities have put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth crowd management, security and the uninterrupted conduct of the yatra.

To facilitate the movement of pilgrims travelling to Puri, Indian Railways has also announced the operation of special train services on multiple routes during the festival period.

According to the Railways, the special trains will operate between Jagdalpur and Puri, as well as between Rayagada and Puri, providing additional travel options and easing passenger movement during the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Police have put in place dynamic traffic arrangements, keeping in view the inflow and outflow of vehicles visiting Puri to ensure smooth traffic movement.

The police have installed 595 permanent and 1,050 temporary signages for public convenience.

This apart, more than 13,000 police personnel, along with an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), will be deployed for security arrangements during the festival.

The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy will also remain on alert to check any illegal activities through the coastal route.

On the other hand, as many as 19 senior IPS officers have been assigned the duty to supervise the overall security arrangements.

The state government has installed 473 CCTV cameras to keep a watch on the movement of devotees and 65 large LED screens to disseminate important information to devotees in Odia, Hindi and English.

Similarly, 16 permanent mobile towers and several temporary towers have also been set up to strengthen communication services.

Bulk messaging facilities will also be used to disseminate information.

Source: IANS

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Bhubaneswar, July 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has extended greetings to all on the occasion of annual Rath Yatra beginning from Thursday, calling upon devotees visiting the holy town of Puri to celebrate the festival in a disciplined manner while abiding by all rules and regulations.

In a video message, Chief Minister Majhi said, "After a year, the sacred Rath Yatra has returned once again. Lord Jagannath will step out from the Shree Mandir and ascend His majestic chariot to bless the whole humanity. Once again, devotees have the rare and wonderful opportunity to behold Lord Jagannath on His chariot."

"On this sacred occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to everyone and warmly welcome all devotees visiting Puri. Let us participate in the Rath Yatra by abiding by the law and with dedication and enjoy the divine darshan of Lord Jagannath in a disciplined manner," the Chief Minister also added.

Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday also extended his wishes to the people on the occasion of Rath Yatra.

"Jay Jagannath. I am extending best wishes on the occasion of scared Rath yatra. Let us celebrate this world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath with devotion and surrender. I wish that everyone's life be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity with the blessings of Lord Jagannath," Patnaik said in a video message.

The holy city of Puri in Odisha is gearing up for the world-famous Ratha Yatra, during which the divine siblings, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Devi Subhadra, will embark on their nine-day annual sojourn to the Gundicha Temple from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Police have put in place dynamic traffic arrangements, keeping in view the inflow and outflow of vehicles visiting Puri to ensure smooth traffic movement.

The police have installed 595 permanent and 1,050 temporary signages for public convenience.

This apart, more than 13,000 police personnel, along with adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), will be deployed for security arrangements during the festival.

The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy will also remain on alert to check any illegal activities through the coastal route.

On the other hand, as many as 19 senior IPS officers have been assigned the duty to supervise the overall security arrangements.

The state government has installed 473 CCTV cameras to keep a watch on the movement of devotees and 65 large LED screens to disseminate important information to devotees in Odia, Hindi and English.

Similarly, 16 permanent mobile towers and several temporary towers have also been set up to strengthen communication services.

Bulk messaging facilities will also be used to disseminate information.

Source: IANS

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